The task Michael Quetting has as part of a research project is to train greylag geese to follow him and his ultralight plane. The first step, however, is in a manner of speaking sitting on the eggs. When seven greylag geese finally hatch out, the newly fledged goose father quickly notices one thing: what he has is a proper gang of kids, each with their own individualities.

Quetting affectionately characterises the gang and so lets us, the readers, in on the adventure – how the little goslings develop; how together they conquer the land, water and air – right up until the moment of the difficult farewell when his geese are let loose into freedom and Michael Quetting is a different person …

“This period of parenting has changed Michael Quetting, and his readers as well – for we learn here that geese indeed have fascinating personalities.”